The boss of a city homeless charity has warned more help needs to come from the Government to help Plymouth's homeless population during extreme cold snaps.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been implemented in the city once again after temperatures were forecast to plummet below 0˚C for three or more consecutive days this week.

SWEP beds are funded by local authorities during short periods of high risk weather up and down the country, and the initiative in Plymouth has been in place since 2011.

But John Hamblin, chief executive of Shekinah, said although credit is due to the council in funding these extra beds for the homeless, there is no help from the central government – “which is the real tragedy".

A homeless person at his pitch in Plymouth city centre (Image: Penny Cross)

At the beginning of the month SWEP was initiated in Plymouth for the first time this winter, and on Sunday it was put in place yet again.

The Salvation Army Lifehouse in Devonport has made provision for six extra people, and the Shekinah day centre in Millbay has offered space for 15 rough sleepers.

Every single bed at the centre has been taken up, Mr Hamblin has confirmed.

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He said: "Because of the high number in rough sleepers, that has resulted in a lack of beds. If we go back seven or eight years, rough sleeper numbers were relatively low, and so lack of beds was never so much of an issue.

"But now it is the same old story. This is the seventh consecutive year that we have seen a rise in rough sleeping, and I think many of us are saying, how many more years will we keep seeing another rise in numbers? We have to get to grips with the issue.

John Hamblin, outside the Shekinah Mission (Image: Penny Cross)

"Ultimately a lack of accommodation [in the community] is the big thing, and that is not necessarily about hostels, but about the lack of affordable homes for people.

"In defence of the council, the government insists local authorities make the provision [for extra beds], but there is no government funding to support the council; they have to find it out of existing resources.

"There is no recompense from central government, which is the real tragedy."

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At Shekinah, volunteers have been working alongside members of staff to offer the emergency accommodation overnight at the shelter, which consists of mats and pillows on the floor.

Although the minimum trigger is a forecast of three nights below freezing, many councils use a 'common sense approach' to opening SWEP during storms, gales and cold snaps, so that people sleeping rough have a bed out of harm’s way.

(Image: James Breeden/Stock image)

SWEP is the only type of provision open to all, including people with no recourse to public funds and those who have been excluded from other services.

Mr Hamblin said: "It [SWEP] is working in Plymouth, but whether it is -1C or +1C, it is still really cold, and the issue many of my staff struggled with last time [SWEP was implemented] was when it finished, and the temperature rose just half a degree, putting people back out on the streets was a really uncomfortable feeling."

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Councillor Steve Ricketts, cabinet member for transport and housing delivery, said the local authority is "going the extra yard" to fund beds for rough sleepers in Plymouth, which at its last official count amounted to 26.

He added the council has doubled the budget for homelessness this year, and it is doing "whatever it takes" to get homeless people of the streets.

Plymouth councillor Steve Ricketts

He said: "We instigated our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) on Sunday. The protocol is implemented when the temperature is forecast to drop to 0˚C (or below) for three consecutive nights. Once activated, additional spaces will be created by enlisting the help of several local charities.

"The aim of this protocol is to ensure all relevant agencies in Plymouth provide an appropriate response to people who are rough sleeping during cold and severe weather.

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"It’s the city council that is releasing money from the budget for beds at Shekinah and Lifehouse. That’s important as it is not government money, it is the local authority.

“We’ve allocated £2,000 for 20 bed spaces for rough sleepers. We are going the extra yard.

"We’ve also doubled the budget for homelessness and during extreme weather will do whatever it takes to make sure the homeless are off the streets."

Crownhill Fire Station's wonderful gesture

Firefighters at Crownhill Fire Station will be helping the homeless during this week's cold weather by supplying them with clothing.

The fire crews have put out an appeal for any unwanted warm adult clothing to be donated to them before 9pm on Wednesday, February 28.

They are particularly keen to hear from people who have any unwanted jumpers, hats, gloves, coats and socks.

Where homeless people can get help

Information from Plymouth City Council

Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH)

PCC funds PATH's Rough Sleepers Team to help people on the streets in Plymouth get into accommodation. PATH also offer a range of services to reduce and prevent homelessness. Visit the PATH website or call 01752 255889 for more information.

Shelter

Shelter give free, expert advice on issues such as homelessness, rent arrears and what to do if your rented home is in need of repair. Its solicitors can help with free, confidential legal advice for anyone eligible for legal aid. Visit the Shelter website or call 0344 515 2399 for more information.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers hostel accommodation for single people with support needs. All age groups are accepted but PCC will need to refer you. Email housingoptions@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 305496.

Plymouth soup run

The soup run starts daily at 9.30pm by Charles Cross Police Station, then moves to the 'wedding cake' on The Hoe, then Devil’s Point, ending at Kings Road (by Stonehouse Bridge) at approximately 10pm. Visit the Plymouth soup run website, email info@plymouthsouprun.org.uk or call 01752 404134 for more information.

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